Baby Helmet Therapy
Helmet therapy (also called helmet orthosis) is a treatment that's prescribed to help mold the baby's skull into shape.
EDUCATIONAL NEWSLETTER
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Otto Prosthetic Company
Educational
Newsletter
Understanding Baby Helmet Treatment - Why Early Treatment Matters
By Anur Diyana (Senior Prosthetist and Orthotist)
Positional skull deformities, such as plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly, are increasingly common among infants today. Research suggests that up to 47% of babies may experience some form of head shape asymmetry in their first year of life. While many cases improve naturally, some infants require orthotic (helmet) therapy for optimal correction.
As clinicians specializing in pediatric orthotics, we want to share evidence-based information on why helmet therapy is important and when it should be considered.
What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?
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Prolonged pressure on the skull due to consistent sleeping or resting positions
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Torticollis, a condition where tight neck muscles limit head movement
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Multiple births or premature delivery, where space is limited in the womb
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Developmental delays, reducing independent head movement
Why Helmet Therapy Is Important
Key benefits of helmet therapy:
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Promotes natural head shape development during rapid skull growth
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Improves craniofacial symmetry, helping align the eyes, ears and jaw
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Reduces long-term cosmetic concerns which can affect helmet or eyeglass fit, and in some cases, dental alignment later in life
The Best time to start
Helmet therapy is most effective between 4-12 months of age, as the skull is softer and grows rapidly during this stage. After 12-18 months, the skull bones begin to harden, and treatment may take longer or provide less correction.
Safety and Comfort
Modern Helmets are:
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Lightweight and breathable, ensuring comfort during daily wear
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Custom-designed for each child using precise 3D scanning or measurements
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Painless, with most babies adapting within a few days
Clinical studies confirm that helmet therapy is safe and well-tolerated, with minimal skin irritation when monitored by an orthotist.
Early Assessment Is Key
If you notice flat spots or uneven head shape after 3-4 months of age, consult your pediatrician or orthotist promptly. Early intervention means shorter treatment time and better outcomes.
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47% of infants show some skull asymmetry (van Vlimmeren et al., Pediatrics, 2007)
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Helmet therapy is most effective before 12 months (Loveday & de Chalain, J Craniofac Surg, 2001)
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Early combined therapy (repositioning, physiotherapy, helmet) provides the best correction in moderate to severe cases (Kluba et al., Childs Nerv Syst, 2011)
At The Prosthetic Company, our orthotist work closely with pediatricians and parents to provide individualized treatment plans for each baby. Our goal is to support healthy head growth and give every child the best start in life.
Cranial Orthotic Correction
Baby helmets are custom-fitted medical devices designed to gently guide the skull into a more symmetrical shape during growth. Studies show that orthotic treatment combined with repositioning and/or physiotherapy can significantly improve head shape compared to repositioning alone, especially in moderate to severe cases.
Fact Check
How does the treatment work?
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A cranial molding helmet is used to help to align skull bones while the cranium is growing.
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Helmets rely on brain growth to help reshape the cranial bones. Brain growth is greatest between birth and age 12 months: during this time, skull bones are more malleable.
What is the recommended age?
If flatness remains noticeable after 4 months despite conservative treatment, cranial remolding therapy may be recommended.
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0-4 months - Conservative treatment (positioning, tummy time, exercise, physical therapy)
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4-7 months - Best age to begin helmet therapy based on brain growth and skull bone malleability.
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7-12 months - Cranial growth starting to slow, good results are still possible, may take longer.
Conservative Treatment (0–4 months old)
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Encourage tummy time
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Alternate your baby's head position
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Hold your baby
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Frequently move your baby between places (crib, stroller, swing, etc)
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Put your baby to sleep on their back at alternate ends of the crib
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Minimize the time your baby is stationary during waking hours
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Alternate holding positions during feeding time between right and left arm.